Man Arrested for $17,000 Scam Attempt in Lynden; Police Seek More Victims
A man was arrested in Lynden after allegedly attempting to steal $17,000 from a resident through a refund scam. The suspect, Zhijia Ma, 41, told the victim they had received an excessive refund and needed to return the money. The scam involved an in-person cash pickup, according to Lynden Police Chief Steve Taylor.
Family members of the victim recognized the scam and alerted authorities. When Ma arrived on September 20 to collect the money, he was arrested. Police reported that Ma had an accomplice on the phone, talking to the victim while Ma made his way to the residence.
The ongoing investigation suggests that Ma, who has traveled extensively across the Northwest, including Oregon and British Columbia, may have targeted other victims. Authorities are working with federal agencies to broaden the investigation and encourage potential victims to contact law enforcement.
Ma was arrested on suspicion of attempted first-degree theft and felony conspiracy and remains in custody at Whatcom County Jail.